Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

On November 30, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Learn more using the links below: 

EPA invites members of the public to review the proposed LCRI and supporting information and once published in the Federal Register, provide written comments in the public docket associated with this rulemaking at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0801.

Rule Summary

The proposed LCRI is a major advancement in protecting children and adults from the significant, and irreversible, health effects from being exposed to lead in drinking water. These advancements are based on the science and existing practices utilized by drinking water systems. Key provisions in the proposal include:

  • Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years. When lead service lines are present, they represent the greatest source of lead exposure in drinking water. The proposed LCRI would require the vast majority of water systems to replace lead services lines within 10 years.
  • Locating Legacy Lead Pipes. Knowing where lead pipes are is critical to replacing them efficiently and equitably. Water systems are currently required to provide an initial inventory of their lead service lines by October 16, 2024. Under the proposed LCRI, all water systems would be required to regularly update their inventories, create a publicly available service line replacement plan, and identify the materials of all service lines of unknown material.
  • Improving Tap Sampling. The proposed LCRI would make key changes to the protocol that water systems must use for tap sampling informed by best practices already being deployed at the local and state level, like in Michigan. Water systems would be required to collect first liter and fifth liter samples at sites with lead service lines and use the higher of the two values when determining compliance with the rule.
  • Lowering the Lead Action Level. EPA is proposing to lower the lead action level from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L. When a water system’s lead sampling exceeds the action level, the system would be required to inform the public and take action to reduce lead exposure while concurrently working to replace all lead pipes. For example, the system would install or adjust corrosion control treatment to reduce lead that leaches into drinking water.
  • Strengthening Protections to Reduce Exposure. Water systems with multiple lead action level exceedances would be required to conduct additional outreach to consumers and make filters certified to reduce lead available to all consumers. The filters must be certified to reduce lead.

Taken together, these provisions in the proposed LCRI would strengthen public health protections, reduce complexity, and streamline implementation. EPA anticipates finalizing the LCRI prior to October 16, 2024.

Questions and Answers

How do I know if I have a lead service line?

  • Contact your water utility or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made of lead.​ When lead service lines are present, they represent the greatest source of lead exposure in drinking water.
  • EPA is proposing the replacement of lead service lines and certain galvanized service lines under the control of the water system in 10 years or under.
  • EPA is proposing to require water systems to develop an inventory that includes the material and location of service lines and connectors in their service area. This inventory would be publicly accessible and offer you another way to find out if you have a lead service line.

What can I do to protect myself from lead?

  • Learn more about lead in drinking water and how to limit your exposure here. EPA also recommends you contact your  water system and health department for localized guidance.
  • Some steps you can take at any time, to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water include:
    • Have your water tested. Contact your water utility to have your water tested and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water.​
    • Learn if you have a lead service line. Contact your water utility or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main is made from lead.​ Contact your water utility to learn about service line replacement.
    • Run your water. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, and the length of the lead service line. Residents should contact their water utility for recommendations about flushing times in their community.​
    • Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Be aware of any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your lead service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line.​
    • Use cold water. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water from the tap can contain higher levels of lead. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water.​
    • Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.​
    • Use your filter properly. If you use a filter, make sure you use a filter certified to remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install and use your cartridge and when to replace it.​

How would the proposed rule protect me?

  • EPA is proposing the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) to significantly reduce exposure to lead through drinking water. The proposed LCRI strengthens key elements of the rule in three main focus areas: replacing  lead service lines, reducing complexity for public health protection, and increasing transparency and informing the public.
  • EPA is proposing to require water systems to replace lead service lines under the control of the water system within 10 years, with limited exceptions.
  • The proposed rule also includes revisions that would enable states, water systems and communities to better identify where lead service lines are.
  • EPA is also proposing to reduce the lead action level to 10 µg/L to require more water systems to take action sooner to control corrosion and provide public education.
  • EPA is proposing to improve the public education requirements for water systems by updating the content and delivery frequency for more proactive messaging about lead in drinking water, as well as other revisions to increase transparency and better inform the public of lead exposure and health risks.
  • The proposed LCRI would reduce the complexity of the rule and includes provisions that support more efficient implementation by water systems while reducing lead exposure in more communities.
  • EPA is proposing to strengthen tap sampling procedures to better identify communities most at risk of elevated lead in drinking water to better compel systems to take actions.

What are the health effects of lead?

  • There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children.
  • Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of these harmful health effects.
  • Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
  • Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks.

What is a proposed rule?

  • Before EPA finalizes a drinking water regulation, it publishes a proposed rule to get feedback that EPA will consider when developing a final rule.
  • EPA is sharing the proposed rule with the public to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders – from drinking water consumers to water systems to public health professionals – to share their feedback.
  • You can share your input on the proposal by submitting a comment through the public docket, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0801, at www.regulations.gov.

How do I provide comment on the proposed LCRI?

  • EPA welcomes public input as part of the regulatory development process. EPA invites members of the public to review the proposed LCRI and supporting information and provide written comments at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0801. Follow the online instructions for submitting written comments. Comments must be submitted to the public docket during the 60-day public comment period.
  • EPA will consider all public comments in informing the development of the final regulation. For more information and instructions on how to submit written comments to the public docket, visit: https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
  • EPA will also hold a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, at which the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments. For more information on the public hearing and how to provide EPA with verbal and written comments, see registration information above. 

Supporting Materials and Fact Sheets

LCRI Proposal Public Webinar and Hearing

EPA held an informational webinar for the public on December 6, 2023 about the proposed LCRI. 

EPA held a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, where the public was invited to provide EPA with verbal comments.

LCRI Consultations and Stakeholder Engagements

As required under the Safe Drinking Water Act and other federal Statutes and executive orders, EPA conducted multiple consultations and stakeholder engagement activities prior to proposing the LCRI. Key consultations and engagements include:

Background

There is no safe level of lead exposure. In drinking water, the primary source of lead is from pipes, which can present a risk to the health of children and adults. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is committed to using every tool available to protect all Americans from lead in drinking water. As part of a whole of government plan to deliver clean drinking water, and  replace lead pipes, EPA is proposing the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), that will strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). First promulgated in 1991, the LCR regulates lead and copper in public drinking water systems.

On January 15, 2021, the agency issued Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). Subsequently, the agency reviewed the 2021 LCRR to further evaluate if the rule protects families and communities, particularly those that have been disproportionately impacted by lead in drinking water. The agency concluded that there were significant opportunities to improve the 2021 LCRR. EPA identified priority improvements for the LCRI: proactive and equitable lead service line replacement, strengthening compliance tap sampling to better identify communities most at risk of lead in drinking water and to compel lead reduction actions, and reducing the complexity of the regulation through improvement of the action and trigger level construct. EPA is proposing the LCRI to significantly reduce exposure to lead through drinking water. EPA intends to promulgate the LCRI prior to October 16, 2024.

The agency has determined that there are advancements in the 2021 LCRR and that rule will go into effect to support near term development of actions to reduce lead in drinking water. Specifically, lead service line inventories that will be developed under the 2021 LCRR are necessary to achieve 100% removal of lead service lines. EPA intends to maintain the requirements for information to be submitted in the initial lead service line inventory by the current October 16, 2024 compliance date. Maintaining this compliance deadline ensures water systems will make continued progress to identify lead service lines, which is integral to lead reduction efforts.

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Last updated on October 8, 2024